“Lost almost everything in the Kerala floods” – Jemimah Rodrigues heaps praise on Sajana Sajeevan’s struggle after hitting a last-ball 6 in WPL opener.
Jemimah Rodrigues commended Sajana Sajeevan’s impressive performance in the WPL 2024 opener through a heartfelt social media tribute. Following Sajana’s remarkable last-ball six, which secured victory for her team, Mumbai Indians, against Delhi Capitals on February 23, Jemimah acknowledged the young Kerala batter’s determination and skill.
With just five runs needed off the final delivery and the dismissal of her captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, moments earlier, Sajana fearlessly stepped forward to face Delhi Capitals’ Alice Capsey. With a powerful strike over long-on, she sealed the match with a maximum, showcasing her immense potential on her debut.
Despite being on the losing side, Jemimah recognized the significance of Sajana’s achievement. Sajana’s journey to cricket stardom is particularly inspiring, considering her humble beginnings as the daughter of a rickshaw driver. Hailing from Choottakadavu, she initially played cricket with rudimentary equipmentโa bat made from coconut petiole and a plastic ballโnear her home.
Jemimah wrote “The result was not what we hoped for but what a finish by Sajju the debutant! Comes from a humble background, lost almost everything in the Kerala floods, walks in when the team requires 1 ball 5 runs and hits an effortless six! What a story and more over what a player! ๐๐ป.”
Notably, Sajana, representing a tribal community, follows in the footsteps of Minnu Mani as the second player from such a background to participate in the WPL. Her selection highlights the talent and diversity within women’s cricket.
In an interview with The Times of India following her inclusion in the WPL, Sajana revealed that her family still grapples with financial challenges, indicating her journey’s perseverance and resilience.